SPINDALE – Marvin Freeman
of Rutherford Correctional Center was recognized today by Director Boyd
Bennett and the Division of Prisons as one of 10 Correctional Officers of
the Year.

Freeman is a 29-year DOC veteran, and has worked his whole career at
Rutherford CI, serving as a transportation officer, clothes house
supervisor, community work program officer and occasionally as
officer-in-charge. Currently, he supervises the kitchen and dining hall,
leading a staff of two food service officers and inmate kitchen workers.

“Officer Freeman’s most notable asset is the ability to
communicate with the inmate population,” said recently-retired
Superintendent Johnny Poteat. “He is one of those officers with the unique
ability to intervene in any situation and defuse it.”

Gov. Michael F. Easley has declared May 7-13 as
Correctional Officers Week in observance of the important public safety
work done by more than 11,000 correctional officers in North
Carolina’s
77 prisons.

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Editors: A digital photo
of Freeman is available via e-mail by calling the Public Affairs Office at
(919) 716-3700.